Container storage system for vacuum packaging

ABSTRACT

Commercially available jars and containers may be adapted for use for vacuum packaging using a suitable vacuum packaging appliance. Such jars and containers may be adapted by using a vacuum packaging lid arrangement in place of the original lid of such jars and containers. Such a vacuum packaging lid arrangement includes a vacuum lid and/or an outer lid. Further, such a lid arrangement may also be decorative.

This application claims benefit of Provisional Application 60/495,991,entitled, JAR STORAGE SYSTEM FOR VACUUM PACKAGING, filed Aug. 17, 2003,the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference as iffully set forth herein, under 35 U.S.C. §119(e).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to vacuum packaging technology.More particularly, the invention is directed to container storagesystems used in the context of vacuum packaging appliances.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Vacuum packaging is a process for removing oxygen and other gases fromfood and other products that deteriorate in the presence gases. Forexample, food spoilage can occur due to oxidation. Thus, vacuumpackaging can extend the life of products that deteriorate in thepresence gases by removing nearly all of the gases in a sealed containerin which such products are stored.

Various types of containers may be used for vacuum packaging using avacuum packaging appliance. Such containers are evacuated by couplingthe container to a vacuum circuit of the vacuum packaging appliance. Forexample, a rigid walled container can be coupled to the vacuum circuitthrough a vacuum hose. A distal end of the vacuum hose is connected to avalve mechanism on the lid of the container. The other end of the vacuumhose is connected to the vacuum circuit of the vacuum packagingappliance. During the evacuation procedure, the vacuum circuit causesthe gases from the container to be pulled through the valve on thecontainer lid into the vacuum hose.

Vacuum packaging containers may be flexible, such as flexible storagebags. Further, vacuum packaging containers may be sufficiently rigid soas to retain its shape whilst being evacuated. Examples of suchcontainers are glass jars and plastic jars. Mason jars and similarcommercially available canning jars may also be used. However, masonjars and similar commercially available canning jars and containers arenot equipped for use with vacuum packaging appliances.

Thus, there is a need to adapt mason jars and similar commerciallyavailable canning jars and containers for use with vacuum packagingappliances for purposes of vacuum packaging products placed in such jarsand containers.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by wayof limitation.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view that illustrates a container storage system100, according to certain embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 2A is an isometric view of a container storage system 200 with avacuum hose attachment, according to certain embodiments of theinvention;

FIG. 2B is an isometric view of a container storage system with an outerlid in a latched configuration 250, according to certain embodiments ofthe invention;

FIG. 2C is a side view of a container storage system that illustrates alatch mechanism with parts attached to the outer lid, according tocertain embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view that illustrates a container storage system300, according to certain other embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 4 is an isometric view that illustrates a vacuum packagingappliance 400;

FIG. 5 illustrates valve positions 550 of a vacuum lid, according tocertain embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a vacuum hose attachment being connected to a vacuumpackaging appliance; and

FIG. 7 illustrates a container storage system that is attached to avacuum packaging appliance by a vacuum hose attachment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Container storage systems for use with a vacuum packaging appliance aredescribed. In the following description, for purposes of explanation,numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, toone skilled in the art that the present invention may be practicedwithout these specific details. In other instances, well-knownstructures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoidunnecessarily obscuring the present invention.

Container Storage System

FIG. 1 is an isometric view that illustrates a container storage system100, according to certain embodiments of the invention. Containerstorage system 100 includes a storage container 102, a vacuum lid 104and an outer lid 110. Outer lid 110 may be decorative.

Storage container 102 may be a decorative storage container according tocertain embodiments. Storage container 102 may optionally include alatch mechanism 112 for keeping outer lid 110 in a fixed position atopstorage container 102 as illustrated in FIG. 2B herein. Further, storagecontainer 102 may optionally include a gasket 114 around mouth 118 ofstorage container 102.

Vacuum lid 104 may include a gasket 106 for forming a static seal forsealing storage container 102 when vacuum lid 104 is over mouth 118 soas to completely close mouth 118. Gasket 114 and gasket 106 may be madeof suitable material such as an elastomeric material.

Vacuum lid 104 includes a valve mechanism 108. The valve mechanism maybe any valve that is suitable for allowing storage container 102 to beevacuated of gases, if so desired. Further, the valve mechanism is suchthat it allows for the evacuated state of storage container 102 to bemaintained until such time when it is desired to expose the storedcontents of storage container 102 to the ambient atmosphere. Forexample, the valve mechanism may be a one-way valve that allows gases tobe evacuated from the storage container. As another example, the valvemay be an electric valve that is electrically actuated to maintaineither an open or closed position, as so desired. One embodiment of avalve mechanism is described herein with reference to FIG. 5. Someexamples of storage jars that may be used in the container storagesystem are Ball® jars and Mason jars.

FIG. 2A is an isometric view of a container storage system 200 with anevacuation hose attachment 220, according to certain embodiments of theinvention. In FIG. 2A, storage container 202 includes a latch mechanism212, and a vacuum lid 204. Vacuum hose attachment 220 is attached to thevalve mechanism 208. Vacuum hose attachment 220 includes a hose 222. Oneend of hose 222 is attached to a vacuum packaging appliance (not shown).In FIG. 2A is also illustrated an outer lid 210.

FIG. 2B is an isometric view of a container storage system 200 with anouter lid in a latched configuration 250, according to certainembodiments of the invention. Latch mechanism 212 is attached to thestorage container 202. Latch mechanism 212 in FIG. B is a loop-clamptype latch. Latch mechanism 212 includes a loop 212 b. Outer lid 210 islatched to storage container 202, atop gasket 214, by positioning loop212 b overhead the outer lid 210.

In certain embodiments, the latch mechanism may be attached to outer lid210. FIG. 2C is a side view of a container storage system thatillustrates a latch mechanism 213 with parts attached to the outer lid210, according to certain embodiments of the invention. In FIG. 2C,latch mechanism 213 is a “swing-top” latch. Latch mechanism 213 includesswing arms 213 a and a snap-lock portion 213 b. One end of each of theswing arms 213 a is attached to outer lid 210. The other end of theswing arm 213 a is interlocked with snap-lock portion 213 b. Snap-lockportion 213 b is attached to storage container 202.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view that illustrates a container storage system300, according to certain other embodiments of the invention. In FIG. 3,container storage system 300 includes a storage container 302, a vacuumlid 304, and a valve mechanism 308. According to certain embodiments,the valve mechanism is an integral part of vacuum lid 304. Valvemechanism 308 may be any valve that is suitable for allowing storagecontainer 302 to be evacuated of gases, if so desired. Further, thevalve mechanism is such that the valve mechanism allows for theevacuated state of storage container 302 to be maintained until suchtime when it is desired to expose the stored contents of storagecontainer 302 to the ambient atmosphere. Storage container 302 may beevacuated by attaching vacuum hose attachment 320 to valve mechanism308. Vacuum hose attachment 320 includes a hose 322. One end of hose 322is attached to a vacuum packaging appliance (not shown). According tocertain embodiments, vacuum lid 304 may include a gasket (not shown)that surrounds the inner surface of the rim of vacuum lid 304. Such agasket is for forming a static seal for sealing storage container 302when vacuum lid 304 is over the mouth of storage container 302 so as tocompletely close the mouth. Further, according to certain embodiments,vacuum lid 304 may be screwed onto storage container 302 in order tosecure vacuum lid 304 atop storage container 302.

Vacuum Packaging Appliance

FIG. 4 is an isometric view that illustrates a vacuum packagingappliance 400. In FIG. 4, vacuum packaging appliance 400 includes a base420 and a lid 422. Base 420 includes a vacuum channel (not shown) thatis operatively connected to a vacuum pump (not shown) housed in base420.

Base 420 includes a control panel 425 at the top frontal portion ofappliance 400. According to certain embodiments, control panel 425includes indicator lights 408, a manual seal button 406 to manually seala storage bag before a complete vacuum is achieved, if so desired. Theindicator lights are used for signaling the start or completion ofvarious processes such as the sealing process, vacuum process and/ormachine re-programming when transitioning from one process to the next.

Control panel 425 may also include a sealing time adjustment knob 410for controlling the heating element associated with the sealingmechanism. For example, the sealing time adjustment can be set to afirst setting when storage bags are being sealed. The sealing timeadjustment can be set to a second setting when storage containers orcanisters are being sealed. In the case of sealing storage containers orcanisters, there is no need for activating the heating element.

In FIG. 4, the vacuum override button 404 may be used to extend thevacuum time to ensure that the maximum amount of air is removedespecially when using extra large storage containers or canisters.Control panel 425 may also include an automatic on/off button 412 forstarting or stopping the evacuation process.

Lid 422 includes a bag cutter, and an accessory port 402 for use inremoving gases from storage containers or canisters. In order toevacuate storage containers or canisters, one end of a vacuum hose (notshown) is attached to the vacuum packaging appliance 400 at accessoryport 402. The other end of the vacuum hose is attached to the valvemechanism of the container storage system as illustrated in FIG. 7herein.

Some examples of vacuum packaging appliances are the Tilia® FoodSaver®vacuum packaging system series.

Vacuum Packaging Configuration

FIG. 5 illustrates valve positions 550 of a vacuum lid according tocertain embodiments of the invention. FIG. 5 illustrates a vacuum lid504 with a valve mechanism 508. Valve mechanism 508 includes an opening512 for attaching a distal end of a vacuum hose (not shown). Valvemechanism 508 can be set to a vacuum position by aligning arrow 530 withthe “vacuum” position 510. The valve mechanism includes a solid ballstructure (not shown) that resides in the opening 516. At vacuumposition 510, the solid ball structure is lightly resting on a gasketedopening (not shown) that leads into the interior of the storagecontainer. After evacuation is complete, the ambient air pressure pushesthe solid ball structure against the gasketed opening that leads intothe interior of the storage container, thus sealing the storagecontainer from the ambient atmosphere. To ensure a tight seal afterevacuation, valve mechanism 508 can be set to a closed position byaligning arrow 530 with the “closed”. position 512. At closed position512, the solid ball structure is mechanically pressed against thegasketed opening that leads into the interior of the storage container.When it is desired to expose the contents of the sealed storagecontainer with the ambient atmosphere, valve mechanism 508 can be set toan open position by aligning arrow 530 with the “open” position 514. Atthe open position 514, the solid ball structure is mechanically drawn upfrom the gasketed opening that leads into the interior of the storagecontainer, thus allowing gas from the ambient atmosphere to enter thestorage container;

FIG. 6 illustrates a vacuum hose attachment being connected to a vacuumpackaging appliance. In FIG. 6, a container storage system (not shown)may be attached to vacuum packaging appliance 500 by attaching one endof a vacuum hose attachment 522 to accessory port 502. The other end ofvacuum hose attachment 522 is attached to the container storage system.

FIG. 7 illustrates a container storage system that is attached to avacuum packaging appliance by a vacuum hose attachment. In FIG. 7, acontainer storage system 562 may be attached to vacuum packagingappliance 500 by attaching one end of a vacuum hose attachment 522 toaccessory port 502. The other end of vacuum hose attachment 522 isattached to the container storage system at opening 516 of valvemechanism 508. Valve mechanism 508 is part of vacuum lid 504.

In the foregoing specification, embodiments of the invention have beendescribed with reference to numerous specific details that may vary fromimplementation to implementation. The specification and drawings are,accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictivesense.

1. A vacuum packaging multipurpose lid arrangement for a container, said container having an original lid, wherein said original lid is not compatible with a vacuum packaging process, said vacuum packaging multipurpose lid arrangement comprising: a vacuum lid adapted for allowing gases to be vacuumed out from said container during said vacuum packaging process; and wherein said vacuum lid is adapted: to be backwards compatible with said container having said original lid; and to stand in place of said original lid when said container is being vacuum packaged.
 2. The vacuum packaging multipurpose lid arrangement of claim 1, wherein said vacuum lid is decorative.
 3. The vacuum packaging multipurpose lid arrangement of claim 1, further includes an outer lid.
 4. The vacuum packaging multipurpose lid arrangement of claim 3, further comprising a latch mechanism adapted to secure said outer lid over said vacuum lid.
 5. The vacuum packaging multipurpose lid arrangement of claim 4, wherein said latch mechanism is a loop-clamp latch.
 6. The vacuum packaging multipurpose lid arrangement of claim 4, wherein said latch mechanism is a swing-top latch.
 7. The vacuum packaging multipurpose lid arrangement of claim 3, wherein said outer lid is decorative.
 8. The vacuum packaging multipurpose lid arrangement claim 1, wherein said container is decorative.
 9. The vacuum packaging multipurpose lid arrangement of claim 1, wherein said vacuum lid includes a valve mechanism, wherein said valve mechanism is adapted for: allowing evacuation of said container during said vacuum packaging process when said valve mechanism is in a first position; after said evacuation, maintaining an evacuated state in said container when said valve mechanism is in a second position; and allowing gases to enter said container when said valve mechanism is in a third position.
 10. The vacuum packaging multipurpose lid arrangement of claim 9, wherein said first position is a vacuum position, said second position is a closed position, and said third position is an open position.
 11. The vacuum packaging multipurpose lid arrangement of claim 9, wherein said valve mechanism is adapted for receiving a distal end of a vacuum hose for allowing said evacuation.
 12. The vacuum packaging multipurpose lid arrangement of claim 1, wherein said vacuum lid includes a gasket for forming a static seal around a mouth of said container when said vacuum lid completely covers said mouth of said container.
 13. The vacuum packaging multipurpose lid arrangement claim 1, wherein said container further comprises a gasket around a mouth of said container.
 14. The vacuum packaging multipurpose lid arrangement claim 1, being further adapted for use with a vacuum packaging appliance.
 15. A vacuum packaging multipurpose lid arrangement for a container, said container having an original lid, wherein said original lid is not compatible with a vacuum packaging process, said vacuum packaging multipurpose lid arrangement comprising: a vacuum lid with a valve mechanism adapted for allowing gases to be vacuumed out from said container during said vacuum packaging process; an outer lid that is decorative; and wherein said vacuum lid is adapted: to be backwards compatible with said container having said original lid; and to stand in place of said original lid when said container is being vacuum packaged.
 16. A method for vacuum packaging a container that has an original lid, the method comprising the acts of: using a multi-purpose lid arrangement for said container; wherein said multi-purpose lid arrangement: being adapted for evacuating and sealing said container during a vacuum packaging process; being designed to be backwards compatible with said container; being adapted for replacing said original lid.
 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising including a vacuum lid in said multi-purpose lid arrangement.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein said vacuum lid is decorative.
 19. The method of claim 16, further comprising including an outer lid in said multi-purpose lid arrangement.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising using a latch mechanism adapted to secure said outer lid over a vacuum lid, wherein said vacuum lid is adapted for evacuating and sealing said container.
 21. The method of claim 20, wherein said latch mechanism is a loop-clamp latch.
 22. The method claim 20, wherein said latch mechanism is a swing-top latch.
 23. The method of claim 19, wherein said outer lid is decorative.
 24. The method of claim 16, wherein said container is decorative.
 25. The method of claim 17, further comprising including, in said vacuum lid, a valve mechanism, wherein said valve mechanism is adapted for: allowing evacuation of said container when said valve mechanism is in a first position; after said evacuation, maintaining an evacuated state in said container when said valve mechanism is in a second position; and allowing gases to enter said container when said valve mechanism is in a third position.
 26. The method of claim 25, wherein said first position is a vacuum position, said second position is a closed position, and said third position is an open position.
 27. The method of claim 25, further comprising adapting said valve mechanism for receiving a distal end of a vacuum hose for allowing said evacuation.
 28. The method of claim 17, further comprising including, in said vacuum lid, a gasket for forming a static seal around a mouth of said container when said vacuum lid completely covers said mouth of said container.
 29. The method of claim 16, further comprising using a gasket around a mouth of said container.
 30. The method of claim 16, further comprising adapting said container for use with a vacuum packaging appliance. 